Much like golf, cycling or parasailing, backcountry touring can be extremely hard to get into if you don’t have all the correct gear. So where do you start? Max out the Mastercard and then ask your partner for forgiveness when the bill comes in the mail? (We do not recommend doing that).
We wanted to give you the leg up, so if you’re unsure what the essential BC safety gear is, read on, because we got Nick Hill, Rhythm Rides’ Backcountry Guest Services Manager to give y’all the lowdown on all the BC safety gear, and his tips on the essentials you must always be carrying with you when venturing out into the BC.
Tip One: Avalanche Pack
“Avi packs, they come in many forms, but the most important thing is that the pack is designed to carry the tools and gear you need. Accessibility of your tools will be one the most important things in an emergency situation, so I always make sure the access is easy and each tool has its own space.”
Tip 2: Transceiver/Beacon
“One of the first things, and arguably one of the most important things, is having a beacon. We really like the BCA beacons here in Niseko. They’ve got a three antenna system and are a very reliable system that’s been around for a while.
When it comes to transceivers, I always recommend having familiarity and training with this lifesaving tool. When you book a guided day with us, your day will start with your guide introducing you to this tool and how to use it if needed.”
Tip 3: Shovel
“Another thing that you’re going to find in your avi pack is going to be a shovel.”
“And if you’ve never used a shovel in snow before, don’t worry, if you book a backcountry product with us, your guide is going to show you how to use it, not that you’ll need to, but we just want to make sure everyone comes out of their guided trip a little bit more educated than when they went in!”
“A shovel will make the world of difference if you have a buried victim. Upon making contact with them under the snow with a probe strike, it is time to dig down to them as fast and efficiently as possible. The front person will be digging snow and throwing it behind behind, while the team behind clears this snow out. Shovelling is exhausting work so be sure to rotate positions in an emergency to keep the team strong through the rescue process.”
Tip 4: Probe
“Normally in Japan we use a Probe Stealth 240 which is going to be a good sized probe for what we do out here in Niseko.”
“A probe is a large collapsible pole that is used alongside the transceiver to physically find a victim buried in the snow. Once you find your closest transceiver signal, the next move is to probe the area until you make a probe strike.”
Tip 5: First Aid Kit
“Your guide is going to be equipped with a first aid kit in the case of an emergency, but hopefully this is not needed throughout the day.”
Tip 6: Consumables
“I always carry water, snacks and an extra puffy layer in case it gets cold up at the peak.”
Tip 7: Maps
“I recommend using ‘Hokkaido Wilds’ as a resource and by buying it you are supporting the team behind this incredibly knowledgeable resource. I also recommend having all your maps downloaded on your phone in advance of heading out. In Japan, we find that Geographica can be a great map app to use and the GPX files can easily be sent from Hokkaido Wild to Geographica (Open GPX file>save to Drive or device>open with Geographica/Gaia/Mapping app of choice> Boom! You have the route on your device!”
Keen on getting your first ever guiding experience? Great timing, Rhythm Rides is currently offering 20% off all lesson, guiding and touring services this March! Let’s get it!
